A direct follow-on from Body in the Bath House. Falco and his family are still in Britain, and he becomes involved investigating the murder of an important Briton. This all becomes tied into mob activity trying to muscle in on the local businesses. Petro also gets involved in the action, which is a welcome return to form in the series.( )

Marcus Didius Falco remains in Britain on what is supposed to be a vacation before returning home to Rome with his family. But something comes up...a British man of interest to an important ally is drowned in a well and Falco is detailed to find out who did it. Naturally, it turns out to be very complicated and exceedingly dangerous. Falco is a tough private eye in ancient Rome who lives and works among the seedy of the empire. Davis does her usual superlative job of presenting a believable view of street life, one that seems quite convincing, given the crazy antics of their rulers that did make it to the history books. This time, the focus is Londinium of the 1st Century, capitol of Roman Britain. Lots of fun and so much historical content, you'll look forward to rereading the book in a couple years. ( )

To Ginny, Who deserves it.Now look here; you had better not expect half a page of sentimental guff. If you are a treasure and an inspiration and a dear friend who has suffered a year of stress, I shall certainly not say so. This is a British dedication, after all!

First words

'It depends what we mean by civilisation', the procurator mused.

Quotations

Last words

Who could say that was uncivilised? It depends what you mean by civilisation, as the procurator said.